Chrome and Claws
“You speak in riddles. You heal, you speak of gods, and you leave me with more questions than answers. You’re a Draikos, what does that mean? Why do you know me better than I know myself?”
He watched her unblinkingly and for a long moment he said nothing.
“You seek certainty,” Malrik said at last. “You deserve it, but truth is a blade; it cuts those unready for the fall. Still, you came here to demand it, so I will give you an oath. Not riddles or half-answers.”
Raven set her jaw. “I don’t want a vow. I want the truth.”
“You will have both.” He drew a breath as if preparing to plumb deep stores of memory. “The name Draikos is older than banners and blades. It is a binding and a watchword of